The evaluation of coordination policies in logistics services markets

Nowadays, due to the increasing complexity and expansion of supply chains, logistics is becoming a more strategic activity for firms in terms of both time and cost performance. In this paper, the coordination in a logistics services market based on vehicle consolidation policy is considered. In particular, three coordination policies characterized by different levels of collaboration among the actors of a supply stage are identified. Then, a model is developed for evaluating the transportation, coordination, and service lateness costs affecting each coordination policy. Finally, different coordination policies and collaborative relationships among the actors operating in the supply stage of an Italian brickworks company are discussed as a case study. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.